Tuesday, June 18, 2013

Review of Manuscript Found in Accra by Paulo Coelho

I have read two of the illustrious Paulo Coelho's books before - Brida and of course The Alchemist. Both were novels but the story lines were written to illustrate the teachings that Coelho wanted to get across. It was referred to somewhere as "visionary fiction".

Manuscript Found in Accra is different in that there really is no plotline. The basic story is that a secret manuscript is found in Jerusalem in 1099. It creates quite a stir so different people ask the Copt, or wise man who can read the manuscript, what it teaches about certain issues like anxiety, love and fear. It reminded me a bit of Chaucer's Canterbury Tales.

While Manuscript Found in Accra contains some truths and insights into our universal human condition, if you are wanting to read a novel, this is not the book for you. Try some of Coelho's other novels. If you are interested in wisdom literature, maybe read some of the classics like The Bible, The I Ching and others on which Coelho's ideas are based.

You Will Like This Book If:

-you like your wisdom literature short and to the point
- you like short books
- you're a fan of Paul Coelho's other works

Best Quote:

Don't try to be useful. Try to be yourself: that is enough & that makes all the difference.”
― Paulo Coelho, Manuscript Found in Accra